The Miami Heat have not had the best campaign this season, as they have had a rollercoaster record. They have a 20-18 record ahead of their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is a decent tally. However, they would have loved to maintain their red-hot form early in the season.
As the defending champions, the Thunder have a huge target on their backs. Since they have not had the best past month, the Thunder are more wary of their opponents. Even though the Heat have not been the best team, the Thunder are giving them the due respect they deserve.
Daigneault has immense respect for the Heat
As the latest head coach champion, Mark Daigneault always has immense respect for his opponents. Considering he is going up against two-time champion head coach Erik Spoelstra, Daigneault is up for a tough tactical battle.
Apart from Spoelstra's superb coaching, Daigneault also knows that the Heat are always a tough team to play against. Even when they are not playing like the best team in the league, they always make it hard to beat them.
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As they were about to play against the Heat on Sunday, Daigneault made sure to commend his opponents. Miami has one of the toughest teams to play against in the league, even though it is not as successful as the Thunder.
"That's a program we have a ton of respect for. They’re a privilege to compete against because of how much endurance they’ve had in the NBA about doing it a certain way. They’re a different team every year," Daigneault said ahead of the Thunder's game against the Heat on Sunday.
"Their level of success is different every year, as it is for every team, but the bar for that team is very high. It’s a great team to test yourself against. I love when we play against them because it’s a game you have to earn if you get it, if you don’t, they’ll teach you a lesson."
It has been a tough stretch for the Heat to start 2026. They have learned many lessons, despite occasional lack of effort, but Spoelstra is convincing them to play much better. In the long run, the Heat have bright potential, but it will be a long process.
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